{"id":5392,"date":"2021-05-11T17:14:43","date_gmt":"2021-05-11T17:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jobhunt.fj-dev.com\/job-search-staying-positive\/"},"modified":"2022-02-01T10:34:30","modified_gmt":"2022-02-01T17:34:30","slug":"job-search-staying-positive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/job-search-staying-positive\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying Positive While Job Hunting for Temporary Jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"

No matter if you\u2019re seeking a permanent position or a temporary engagement, when you\u2019re searching for a job you may be feeling nervous, mixed with a bit of excitement.<\/p>\n

Your dream job, even if it\u2019s a temporary role, could be just around the corner.<\/p>\n

For those job seekers looking for temporary positions, either as part of a freelance lifestyle or a bridge to permanent employment, the emotional roller coaster of the contract job market can be thrilling \u2013 and stressful.<\/p>\n

The temp market moves eons faster than the traditional job market with some assignments starting the day after an interview \u2013 if there is even an interview at all.<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

7 Tips for Staying Positive in Your Job Search<\/h2>\n

It is easy to remain upbeat during a job search — for the first days and weeks anyway.<\/p>\n

After that, if you\u2019re not seeing much activity, you may start to feel down or discouraged. But don\u2019t lose faith!<\/p>\n

Here are some tips to help you stay positive throughout your temp job search:<\/p>\n

  1. Expect the Unpredictable  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, it\u2019s true that the interview and hiring process for temp positions is typically faster than with permanent posts.<\/p>\n

However, the temp market is always changing. You may have a week where you have ten interviews, and then two weeks without one.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the typical length of a temp job search? There isn\u2019t one. It could be three days, six months, or more.<\/p>\n

There is such a huge range because the market is so unpredictable and a \u201ctemporary\u201d assignment can vary from a daylong data entry job to a nine-month web development project.<\/p>\n

The more complex the work, the longer the search could take.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

  2. Have Realistic Expectations  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to know that the number of interviews you get is market driven. A lack of interviews doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re lacking an important characteristic or skill. Try not to take the radio silence personally.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s possible that you may need to expand your target job requirements. More flexibility in your parameters may result in an uptick of interviews.<\/p>\n

Also, if you do go out on 10 interviews and none of them pan out, don\u2019t lose hope. There are more interviews in your future. You and your recruiter just haven\u2019t found the right fit — yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

  3. Manage Your Emotions  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

When you have multiple interviews you can feel euphoric, while a dearth of appointments can leave you disappointed. These swings are natural, but you need to keep them in check, particularly when talking with hiring managers.<\/p>\n

Confidence is an admirable quality, but don\u2019t come off as pompous. Candidates have been known to blow interviews because they\u2019ve gone in with the attitude of \u201cI am so in demand, they\u2019d be lucky to have me.\u201d Others have lost out on opportunities because they came off as timid or desperate.<\/p>\n

Do your best to stay even-keeled. And always interview to get the job.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once you have the offer, you can decide if you want it.<\/p>\n

  4. Know Thyself  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Just like when looking for a permanent job, before you start your search, know what you want in your next temp assignment.<\/p>\n

What are you looking for? What is non-negotiable? Where can you make concessions?<\/p>\n

Consider things like the length of the contract, the type of work, and your commute. You want to be flexible enough that you have choices, but picky enough that they are all real options. This self-reflection at the start will help you explore new opportunities while staying true to your core values.<\/p>\n

  5. Control Your Search  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Finding a job is your full-time job, whether you are looking for a permanent position or the right number of temp assignments to keep you employed at the level you desire.<\/p>\n

Keeping track of all of your efforts is important.<\/p>\n

You should have a running list of every resume sent, including those sent by staffing firms you are working with; and all the interviews you\u2019ve had along with who you met with and the outcome of each.<\/p>\n

No matter if you\u2019ve applied directly for a job, or a recruiter has done so on your behalf, sending your resume multiple times or contacting several people at the same company makes you appear disorganized.<\/p>\n

Any follow-up should be through your recruiter or the person you originally contacted and reference your previous correspondence.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re searching for a job on your own while at the same time working through a staffing firm, make sure your recruiter runs every position by you before submitting you as a candidate. This is also key in building a trusting relationship with your staffing partner and is critical if you choose to work with multiple recruitment firms which you many need to do in order to keep your level of employment steady.<\/p>\n

  6. Get a Life  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stay in touch with hiring managers and your recruiters, but don\u2019t get obsessed.<\/p>\n

If you let your search control your life, you will burn out. Then when you do get that interview, your desperation and single-mindedness will show.<\/p>\n

So take your phone and go for a walk or find something that will energize and rejuvenate you — but always<\/em> be reachable. Temp jobs pop up suddenly and if you aren\u2019t available for an interview, or to start an assignment, the company or recruiter will move on to the next candidate.<\/p>\n

  7. Revel in Small Wins  <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Finding a new lead, sending out multiple resumes, and getting a phone interview (even if it doesn\u2019t lead to an in-person interview) are all reasons to celebrate!<\/p>\n

The job search can be a long process. It\u2019s easy to dwell on what isn\u2019t happening, but to stay optimistic you also have to focus on your \u201cwins\u201d — even small ones.<\/p>\n

It may seem like a clich\u00e9 to say that finding a new job, even a temporary one, will change your life, but for all practical purposes it will.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be in a new location and in a new role with new people and opportunities. Your life will, in fact, be different.<\/p>\n

Channel that freshness and excitement to stay positive as you navigate your job search.<\/p>\n

More About Temporary Jobs<\/h3>\n